Geothermal energy production system with pressure exchanger

Abstract

A system includes a pressure exchanger (PX) configured to receive a first fluid via a first inlet and a second fluid via a second inlet. The pressure exchanger is used for exchanging pressure between the first fluid and the second fluid and providing the first fluid at the first outlet and the second fluid at the second outlet. The system also includes a heat exchanger for exchanging corresponding thermal energy between the first fluid and the second fluid. The system also includes a turbine configured to receive the second fluid output from the first heat exchanger and to convert corresponding energy of the second fluid into rotational kinetic energy.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to geothermal power generation systems, and more particularly, to geothermal power generation systems having a pressure exchanger. Background Art

[0002] The system uses fluids at different pressures. Pumps and / or compressors can be used to increase the pressure of the fluid used by the system. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0003] The present disclosure is illustrated by way of example and not by way of limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings.

[0004] Figure 1A to Figure 1B A schematic diagram of a fluid handling system including a hydraulic energy transfer system is shown, according to certain embodiments.

[0005] FIG. 2A to FIG. 2E is an exploded perspective view of a pressure exchanger (PX) according to certain embodiments.

[0006] FIG. 3A to FIG. 3D is a schematic diagram of a geothermal power generation system including a PX according to certain embodiments.

[0007] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a geothermal power generation system including a PX according to certain embodiments.

[0008] FIG. 5A to FIG. 5B is a schematic diagram of a geothermal power generation system including a PX according to certain embodiments.

[0009] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a geothermal power generation system including a PX according to certain embodiments.

[0010] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a geothermal power generation system including a PX according to certain embodiments.

[0011] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a geothermal power generation system including a PX according to certain embodiments.

[0012] Fig. 9 is a flow chart illustrating an example method for controlling a geothermal energy production system according to certain embodiments.

[0013] Fig.10 is a block diagram illustrating a computer system according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] Embodiments described herein relate to geothermal energy production systems (eg, geothermal fluid processing systems, energy production systems including pressure exchangers, etc.).

[0015] The system can use fluids of different pressures. These systems may include hydraulic fracturing (e.g., fracking or fracing) systems, desalination systems, refrigeration systems, heat pump systems, energy generation systems, mud pumping systems, slurry pumping systems, industrial fluid systems, waste fluid systems, fluid transmission systems, geothermal energy production systems, ground source systems, etc. Pumps or compressors can be used to increase the pressure of the fluid used by the system.

[0016] Traditionally, geothermal systems (e.g., ground sources, geothermal heat pumps, ground source heat pumps, etc.) transfer heat between the ground and the rest of the system. Traditional geothermal systems include geothermal heat pumps (e.g., ground source heat pumps), which are heating / cooling systems for buildings that use a heat pump to transfer heat to or from the ground, and take advantage of the relative consistency of the earth's temperature in the seasons. Traditional geothermal systems include systems that use a heating fluid (e.g., hot water) from a geothermal source (e.g., from the interior of the earth, a heated portion of the earth, a hot and warm aquifer obtained via a production well, etc.) to heat and / or evaporate the fluid into steam. Steam can be used to rotate a turbine, and then the rotating turbine can be used to generate electricity. Traditional geothermal systems reduce the pressure of the hot and warm high-pressure geothermal fluid from the production well to a low pressure before introducing the hot and warm geothermal fluid into a heat exchanger, where the heat is exchanged with the working fluid (e.g., water / steam) used in the turbine. The geothermal fluid is then re-injected into the ground (e.g., injected into the hot and warm aquifer via a reinjection well). Conventional geothermal energy generation systems are inefficient due to the low temperature of the geothermal fluid received from the production wells relative to the operating temperature of the combustion driven steam turbine system (e.g., coal fired steam turbine, etc.). For example, according to the Carnot efficiency When the heat source temperature T H When the maximum efficiency remains low, the high pressure of the geothermal fluid received from the production wells in the geothermal energy production system can be used to increase the efficiency of the system despite the relatively low temperature of the geothermal fluid.

[0017] The systems, devices, and methods of the present disclosure provide a fluid handling system (e.g., for geothermal energy production, etc.) including a pressure exchanger (PX). In some embodiments, the system (e.g., a fluid handling system, a heat transfer system, a geothermal energy production system, etc.) includes a PX configured to exchange pressure between a first fluid (e.g., a high-pressure geothermal fluid, such as water and / or brine) and a second fluid (e.g., a low-pressure portion of a working fluid in a turbine cycle, low-pressure CO2, supercritical CO2, etc.). In some embodiments, the PX may receive a first fluid at a first pressure via a first inlet (e.g., a high-pressure inlet) and receive a second fluid at a second pressure via a second inlet (e.g., a low-pressure inlet). The PX may exchange pressure between the first fluid and the second fluid. The first fluid may leave the PX at a third pressure via a first outlet (e.g., a low-pressure outlet), and the second fluid may leave the PX at a fourth pressure via a second outlet (e.g., a high-pressure outlet). The first pressure may be higher than the second pressure, and the third pressure may be lower than the fourth pressure.

[0018] In some embodiments, the system includes a heat exchanger (e.g., a main heat exchanger) configured to exchange corresponding thermal energy between a first fluid and a second fluid. In some embodiments, the first fluid transfers (e.g., loses) heat to the second fluid (e.g., via a heat exchanger). In some embodiments, the heat exchanger is disposed downstream of PX on the flow path of the first fluid and downstream of PX on the flow path of the second fluid. In some embodiments, the heat exchanger is disposed upstream of PX on the flow path of the first fluid. The second fluid may enter the heat exchanger at high pressure (e.g., close to a fourth pressure, at which the second fluid may leave PX via a high pressure outlet of PX) and may leave the heat exchanger at an elevated temperature. In some embodiments, when the second fluid is in a supercritical state (e.g., supercritical CO2), the second fluid is heated in the heat exchanger.

[0019] In some embodiments, the system includes a friction turbine. The turbine can receive a second fluid (e.g., at high pressure and elevated temperature) from a heat exchanger. The turbine can convert the corresponding energy (e.g., kinetic energy, pressure, thermal energy, etc.) of the second fluid into rotational energy (e.g., rotational kinetic energy). In some embodiments, the turbine drives a generator that can be used to generate electricity. The second fluid whose pressure and temperature are reduced can leave the turbine, flow to the second inlet of the PX, be compressed again in the PX, and be sent to the heat exchanger again to complete the turbine cycle. In some embodiments, the turbine is configured to receive and / or provide a supercritical fluid, such as supercritical CO2.

[0020] The system, device and method of the present disclosure have advantages over traditional solutions. Compared with traditional systems, the geothermal energy generation system of the present disclosure can have higher efficiency. For example, the system described herein uses the hot temperature and high pressure of the geothermal fluid received from the geothermal source (e.g., underground) to increase the temperature and pressure of the working fluid to drive the turbine. In some embodiments, by using PX, the system described herein reduces the energy consumed by increasing the pressure of the working fluid to a supercritical state to drive the turbine. In some embodiments, compared with traditional systems, the present disclosure reduces the wear on components (e.g., pumps, compressors, etc.) because pumps and compressors are more efficient than traditional systems (e.g., PX performs at least a portion of the increase in the pressure of the second fluid). This also allows the system described herein to have higher reliability, less maintenance, longer component life, less system downtime and higher output (e.g., energy generated, etc.).

[0021] Although some embodiments of the present disclosure are described with respect to pressure exchangers, energy recovery devices, and hydraulic energy transfer systems, the present disclosure can be applied to other systems and devices (e.g., non-isobaric pressure exchangers, rotating components other than pressure exchangers, non-rotating pressure exchangers, systems that do not include pressure exchangers, etc.).

[0022] Although some embodiments of the present disclosure are described with respect to exchanging pressure between fluids used in fracturing systems, desalination systems, geothermal energy systems, heat pump systems, and / or refrigeration systems, the present disclosure may also be applied to other types of systems. Fluids may refer to liquids, gases, transcritical fluids, supercritical fluids, subcritical fluids, and / or combinations thereof.

[0023] Although some embodiments of the present disclosure are described with respect to receiving hot, high-pressure fluids (e.g., brine and / or water) from the ground (e.g., a hot, high-pressure aquifer), the present disclosure may also receive other types of fluids (e.g., lower temperature, lower pressure, etc.) from the ground (e.g., below the surface level).

[0024] Although some embodiments of the present disclosure are described with respect to receiving fluid from a subsurface thermal source (e.g., a thermophilic aquifer), the present disclosure may also receive fluid from other subsurface sources (e.g., ambient geothermal temperatures).

[0025] Figure 1A A schematic diagram of a fluid handling system 100A including a hydraulic energy transfer system 110 is shown, according to certain embodiments.

[0026] In some embodiments, the hydraulic energy transfer system 110 includes a pressure exchanger (e.g., PX). The hydraulic energy transfer system 110 (e.g., PX) receives a low pressure fluid input 120 from a low pressure (LP) input system 122 (e.g., via a low pressure inlet). The hydraulic energy transfer system 110 also receives a high pressure fluid input 130 from a high pressure (HP) input system 132 (e.g., via a high pressure inlet). In some embodiments, the high pressure input system 132 includes a source of hot and high pressure geothermal fluid (e.g., a hot and high pressure aquifer, a geothermal production well, etc.). The hydraulic energy transfer system 110 (e.g., PX) exchanges pressure between the high pressure fluid input 130 and the low pressure fluid input 120 to provide a low pressure fluid output 140 to a low pressure fluid output system 142 (e.g., via a low pressure outlet), and provides a high pressure fluid output 150 to a high pressure fluid output system 152 (e.g., via a high pressure outlet). In some embodiments, the high pressure fluid output system 152 includes a turbine (e.g., as part of a power cycle) to recover energy from the high pressure fluid output 150. The controller 180 may regulate the flow rates of the high pressure fluid input 130 and the low pressure fluid output.

[0027] In some embodiments, the hydraulic energy transfer system 110 includes a PX to exchange pressure between a high pressure fluid input 130 and a low pressure fluid input 120. In some embodiments, the PX is substantially or partially isobaric (e.g., an isobaric pressure exchanger (IPX)). The PX may be a device that transfers fluid pressure between a high pressure fluid input 130 and a low pressure fluid input 120 with an efficiency (e.g., pressure transfer efficiency, substantially isobaric) of more than about 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or more (e.g., without using centrifugal techniques) . High pressure (e.g., high pressure fluid input 130, high pressure fluid output 150) refers to a pressure that is higher than a low pressure (e.g., low pressure fluid input 120, low pressure fluid output 140). The low pressure fluid input 120 of the PX may be pressurized and exit the PX at a high pressure (e.g., a high pressure fluid output 150 having a pressure greater than the pressure of the low pressure fluid input 120), while the high pressure fluid input 130 may be depressurized and exit the PX at a low pressure (e.g., a low pressure fluid output 140 having a pressure less than the high pressure fluid input 130). The PX may operate with the high pressure fluid input 130 directly applying force to pressurize the low pressure fluid input 120, with or without a fluid separator between the fluids. Examples of fluid separators that may be used with the PX include, but are not limited to, pistons, bladders, diaphragms, and the like. In some embodiments, the PX may be a rotary device. A rotary PX, such as that manufactured by Energy Recovery, Inc. of San Leandro, California, may not have any separate valves, as the effective valving action is accomplished internally within the device via the relative motion of the rotor relative to the end caps. A rotary PX may be designed to operate with an internal piston to isolate the fluids and transfer pressure with relatively little mixing of the inlet fluid streams. A reciprocating PX may include a piston that reciprocates in a cylinder for transferring pressure between fluid streams. Any or more PXs may be used in the present disclosure, such as, but not limited to, a rotary PX, a reciprocating PX, or any combination thereof. In addition, the PX may be disposed on a skid that is separate from the other components of the fluid treatment system 100 (e.g., where the PX is attached to an existing fluid treatment system). For example, the PX may be secured to a structure that can be moved from one location to another. The PX may be coupled to a system built on site (e.g., piping of the system, etc.). The structure to which the PX is secured may be referred to as a "skid."

[0028] In some embodiments, the motor 160 is coupled to the hydraulic energy transfer system 110 (e.g., coupled to the PX). In some embodiments, the motor 160 controls the speed (e.g., rotational speed, angular velocity, etc.) of the rotor of the hydraulic energy transfer system 110 (e.g., to increase the pressure of the high pressure fluid output 150, decrease the pressure of the low pressure fluid output 150, etc.). In some embodiments, the motor 160 generates energy based on the pressure exchange in the hydraulic energy transfer system 110 (e.g., acts as a generator).

[0029] The hydraulic energy transfer system 110 may include a hydraulic turbocharger or a hydraulic pressure exchanger, such as a rotary PX. The PX may include one or more chambers (e.g., 1 to 100) to facilitate pressure transfer between a first fluid and a second fluid (e.g., a gas, a liquid, a multiphase fluid). In some embodiments, the PX may transfer pressure between a first fluid (e.g., a pressure exchange fluid, such as a proppant-free fluid, a substantially proppant-free fluid, a low viscosity fluid, a fluid having a certain chemical below a threshold amount, etc.) and a second fluid, the second fluid may have a higher viscosity (e.g., highly viscous), include certain chemicals exceeding a threshold amount (e.g., alkaline fluid, acidic fluid) and / or contain solid particles (e.g., geothermal fluid, a fracturing fluid containing sand, proppant, powder, debris, ceramics, etc.).

[0030] The fluid treatment system 100A may further include one or more sensors to provide sensor data (e.g., flow data, pressure data, velocity data, etc.) associated with the fluid of the fluid treatment system 100A. The controller 180 may control one or more flow rates of the fluid treatment system 100A based on the sensor data. In some embodiments, the controller 180 actuates one or more flow valves based on the received sensor data. In some embodiments, the controller 180 may perform Fig. 9 method.

[0031] One or more components of the hydraulic energy transfer system 110 may be used in different types of systems, such as geothermal energy production systems, fracturing systems, desalination systems, refrigeration and heat pump systems, slurry pumping systems, industrial fluid systems, waste fluid systems, fluid transmission systems, heat transfer systems, etc.

[0032] Figure 1B 1 shows a schematic diagram of a fluid handling system 100B including a hydraulic energy transfer system 110 according to some embodiments. The fluid handling system 100B may be a geothermal energy generation system. In some embodiments, the fluid handling system 100B includes a Figure 1B More components, fewer components, same routes, different routes, etc. shown. Figure 1B The reference numerals of some features in Figure 1A Similar to the reference numerals in Figure 1A Those similar features, functions and / or structures in.

[0033] The high pressure fluid input 130 and the low pressure fluid output 140 may be geothermal fluids (e.g., particulate-containing fluids, hot water, hot geothermal brines, etc.). The low pressure fluid input 120 and the high pressure fluid output 150 may be process fluids (e.g., proppant-free fluids, water, filtered fluids, CO2, supercritical CO2, hydrofluorocarbons such as R134a, R245fa, hydrocarbons such as isobutylene, pentane, propane, etc.).

[0034] The low pressure input system 122 may include one or more low pressure fluid pumps and / or compressors to provide the low pressure fluid input 120 to the hydraulic energy transfer system 110 (e.g., PX). The high pressure input system 132 may include a thermothermal aquifer 134 to provide the high pressure fluid input 130 to the hydraulic energy transfer system 110. In some embodiments, the high pressure fluid input 130 is received by the hydraulic energy transfer system 110 via a production well in fluid communication with the thermothermal aquifer 134. The controller 180 may control one or more components of the fluid handling system 100B.

[0035] The hydraulic energy transfer system 110 exchanges pressure between a low pressure fluid input 120 (e.g., a low pressure process fluid, low pressure CO2, etc.) and a high pressure fluid input 130 (e.g., a high pressure geothermal fluid, high pressure hot water, etc.) to provide a high pressure fluid output 150 (e.g., a high pressure process fluid, high pressure CO2, etc.) to a high pressure output system 152, and provides a low pressure fluid output 140 (e.g., a low pressure geothermal fluid, low pressure hot water, etc.) to a low pressure output system 142. In some embodiments, the high pressure output system 152 includes a turbine 128 to receive the high pressure fluid output 150. The turbine 128 can convert thermal energy in the high pressure fluid output 150 into kinetic energy and provide fluid to the low pressure input system 122. The turbine 128 can be mechanically coupled to a generator to generate electricity. In some embodiments, the fluid from the turbine 128 is cooled in a gas cooler 118 of the low pressure input system 122 to form the low pressure fluid input 120. In some embodiments, the low pressure fluid output 140 is provided to a heat exchanger to exchange thermal energy (e.g., exchange heat, provide heat, etc.) with the high pressure fluid output 150. The heated high pressure fluid 150 may be provided to the turbine 128. The cooled low pressure fluid 140 may be provided to the high pressure input system 132 by reinjection into the hot and warm aquifer 134 (e.g., via a reinjection well).

[0036] The fluid handling system 100B may further include one or more sensors configured to provide sensor data associated with the fluid. One or more flow valves may control the flow rate of the fluid based on the sensor data received from the one or more sensors. In some embodiments, the controller 180 actuates one or more flow valves (not shown) based on the received sensor data.

[0037] FIG. 2A to FIG. 2E is an exploded perspective view of a rotary PX 40 (eg, a rotary pressure exchanger, a rotary liquid piston compressor (LPC)) according to certain embodiments. FIG. 2A to FIG. 2E Some features in one or more of the graphs may have Figure 1A Similar features, functions and / or structures to those in one or more of FIG. 1D .

[0038] The PX 40 is configured to transfer pressure and / or work between a first fluid (e.g., a geothermal fluid, water and / or brine, a slurry fluid, an alkaline fluid, an acidic fluid, a fracturing fluid, superheated gaseous carbon dioxide, a high pressure fluid input 130) and a second fluid (e.g., a process fluid, a particle-free fluid, a non-alkaline fluid, a non-acidic fluid, a proppant-free fluid, or supercritical carbon dioxide, a low pressure fluid input 120) while minimizing mixing of the fluids. The rotary PX 40 may include a generally cylindrical body portion 42 including a sleeve 44 (e.g., a rotor sleeve) and a rotor 46. The rotary PX 40 may also include two end caps 48 and 50 including manifolds 52 and 54, respectively. The manifold 52 includes respective inlet ports 56 and outlet ports 58, while the manifold 54 includes respective inlet ports 60 and outlet ports 62. In operation, these inlet ports 56, 60 enable the first and second fluids to enter the rotary PX 40 to exchange pressures, while the outlet ports 58, 62 enable the first and second fluids to subsequently exit the rotary PX 40. In operation, the inlet port 56 can receive a high pressure first fluid (e.g., high pressure fluid input 130), and after exchanging pressures, the outlet port 58 can be used to direct a low pressure first fluid (e.g., low pressure fluid output 140) out of the rotary PX 40. Similarly, the inlet port 60 can receive a low pressure second fluid (e.g., low pressure slurry fluid, low pressure fluid input 120), and the outlet port 62 can be used to direct a high pressure second fluid (e.g., high pressure slurry fluid, high pressure fluid output 150) out of the rotary PX 40. The end caps 48, 50 include respective end caps 64, 66 (e.g., end plates) disposed within respective manifolds 52, 54, which enable fluid-tight contact with the rotor 46.

[0039] One or more components of the PX 40, such as the rotor 46, the end cap 64, and / or the end cap 66, may be constructed of a wear-resistant material (e.g., carbide, cemented carbide, silicon carbide, tungsten carbide, etc.) having a hardness greater than a predetermined threshold (e.g., a Vickers hardness value of at least 1000, 1250, 1500, 1750, 2000, 2250, or more). For example, tungsten carbide may be more durable and may provide improved wear resistance to abrasive fluids compared to other materials such as alumina ceramics. Additionally, in some embodiments, one or more components of the PX 40, such as the rotor 46, the end cap 64, the end cap 66, and / or other sealing surfaces of the PX 40, may include inserts. In some embodiments, the insert may be formed of one or more wear-resistant materials (e.g., carbide, cemented carbide, silicon carbide, tungsten carbide, etc.) having a hardness greater than a predetermined threshold (e.g., a Vickers hardness value of at least 1000, 1250, 1500, 1750, 2000, 2250 or more) to provide improved wear resistance.

[0040] The rotor 46 may be cylindrical and may be disposed within the sleeve 44, which enables the rotor 46 to rotate about the axis 68. The rotor 46 may have a plurality of passages 70 (e.g., ducts, rotor ducts) extending substantially longitudinally through the rotor 46, with openings 72 and 74 (e.g., rotor ports) at each end symmetrically arranged about the longitudinal axis 68. The openings 72 and 74 of the rotor 46 are arranged to be hydraulically connected to inlet apertures 76 and outlet apertures 78 (e.g., end cap inlet ports and end cap outlet ports) and inlet apertures 80 and outlet apertures 82 (e.g., end cap inlet ports and end cap outlet ports) in the end caps 64, 66, so that the passages 70 are exposed to fluids at high pressure and fluids at low pressure during rotation. As shown, the inlet apertures 76 and outlet apertures 78 and the inlet apertures 80 and outlet apertures 82 may be designed in the form of arcs or segments of a circle (e.g., C-shaped).

[0041] In some embodiments, a controller using sensor data (e.g., revolutions per minute measured by a tachometer or optical encoder or volume flow measured by a flow meter) can control the degree of mixing between the first fluid and the second fluid in the rotary PX, which can be used to improve the fluid handling system (e.g., Figure 1A to Figure 1BThe invention also provides an embodiment of the present invention and provides an embodiment of the present invention to improve the operability of the fluid handling system 100A-100B of the rotary PX 40. In some examples, varying the volumetric flow rate of the first fluid and / or the second fluid entering the rotary PX 40 allows an operator (e.g., a system operator, a plant operator) to control the amount of fluids that are mixed within the PX 40. In addition, varying the rotational speed of the rotor 46 (e.g., via a motor) also allows the operator to control mixing. Three features of the rotary PX 40 that affect mixing are: (1) the aspect ratio of the rotor channel 70; (2) the duration of exposure between the first fluid and the second fluid; and (3) the formation of a fluid barrier (e.g., an interface) between the first fluid and the second fluid within the rotor channel 70. First, the rotor channel 70 (e.g., a pipe) is typically long and narrow, which stabilizes the flow within the rotary PX 40. In addition, the first fluid and the second fluid can move through the channel 70 in a piston flow state with minimal axial mixing. Second, in some embodiments, the speed of the rotor 46 reduces the contact between the first fluid and the second fluid. For example, the speed of the rotor 46 (e.g., a rotor speed of about 1200 revolutions per minute (RPM)) can reduce the contact time between the first fluid and the second fluid to less than about 0.15 seconds, 0.10 seconds, or 0.05 seconds. Third, a small portion of the rotor channel 70 is used for pressure exchange between the first fluid and the second fluid. Therefore, a certain volume of fluid is retained in the channel 70 to act as a barrier between the first fluid and the second fluid. All of these mechanisms can limit mixing within the rotary PX 40. In addition, in some embodiments, the rotary PX 40 can be designed to operate with an internal piston or other barrier (e.g., a physical barrier) that completely or partially isolates the first fluid from the second fluid while enabling pressure transfer.

[0042] FIG. 2B to FIG. 2E is an exploded view of an embodiment of a rotary PX 40 showing the sequence of positions of a single rotor channel 70 in the rotor 46 as the channel 70 rotates through a complete cycle. Note that FIG. 2B to FIG. 2E is a simplified diagram of a rotary PX 40 showing one rotor channel 70, and the channel 70 is shown as having a circular cross-sectional shape. In other embodiments, the rotary PX 40 may include multiple channels 70 having the same or different cross-sectional shapes (e.g., circular, oval, square, rectangular, polygonal, etc.). Thus, FIG. 2B to FIG. 2E is a simplification for illustrative purposes, and other embodiments of the rotary PX 40 may have the same FIG. 2A to FIG. 2E. As described in detail below, the rotary PX 40 facilitates pressure exchange between a first fluid and a second fluid (e.g., a hot and warm geothermal fluid and a process fluid) by enabling the first fluid and the second fluid to briefly contact each other within the rotor 46. In some embodiments, the PX facilitates pressure exchange between a first fluid and a second fluid by enabling the first fluid and the second fluid to contact opposite sides of a barrier (e.g., a reciprocating barrier, a piston, not shown). In certain embodiments, the exchange occurs at a rotational speed that results in limited mixing of the first fluid and the second fluid. The speed of the pressure wave traveling through the rotor channel 70 (once the channel is exposed to the orifice 76), the diffusion rate of the fluids, and / or the rotational speed of the rotor 46 may determine whether any mixing occurs and the extent of mixing.

[0043] Figure 2B is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a rotary PX 40 (eg, a rotary LPC) according to certain embodiments. Figure 2B 64 and the manifold 52, while the opposing channel opening 74 is in fluid communication with the orifice 82 in the end cap 66 and, by extension, the manifold 54. The rotor 46 can rotate in a clockwise direction as indicated by arrow 84. In operation, a low pressure second fluid 86 (e.g., a low pressure slurry fluid) passes through the end cap 66 and enters the channel 70 where it contacts the first fluid 88 at the dynamic fluid interface 90. The second fluid 86 then drives the first fluid 88 out of the channel 70, through the end cap 64, and out of the rotary PX 40. However, due to the short duration of contact, mixing between the second fluid 86 (e.g., a slurry fluid) and the first fluid 88 (e.g., a particle-free fluid) is minimal. In some embodiments, the low pressure second fluid 86 contacts a first side of a barrier (e.g., a piston, not shown) disposed in the passage 70, which contacts (e.g., on the opposite side of the barrier) the first fluid 88. The second fluid 86 drives the barrier, which pushes the first fluid 88 out of the passage 70. In such embodiments, there is negligible mixing between the second fluid 86 and the first fluid 88.

[0044] Figure 2C is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a rotary PX 40 (eg, a rotary LPC) according to certain embodiments. Figure 2C , the passage 70 has been rotated clockwise through an arc of approximately 90 degrees. In this position, the opening 74 (e.g., outlet) is no longer in fluid communication with the orifices 80 and 82 of the end cap 66, and the opening 72 is no longer in fluid communication with the orifices 76 and 78 of the end cap 64. Thus, the low pressure second fluid 86 is temporarily contained within the passage 70.

[0045] Figure 2D is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a rotary PX 40 (eg, a rotary LPC) according to certain embodiments. Figure 2D In the channel 70, Figure 2B The position shown is rotated through an arc of approximately 60 degrees. The opening 74 is now in fluid communication with the orifice 80 in the end cap 66, and the opening 72 of the passage 70 is now in fluid communication with the orifice 76 of the end cap 64. In this position, the high pressure first fluid 88 enters and pressurizes the low pressure second fluid 86, thereby driving the second fluid 86 out of the rotor passage 70 and through the orifice 80.

[0046] Figure 2E is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a rotary PX 40 (eg, a rotary LPC) according to certain embodiments. Figure 2E In the channel 70, Figure 2B The position shown is rotated through an arc of approximately 270 degrees. In this position, opening 74 is no longer in fluid communication with orifices 80 and 82 of end cap 66, and opening 72 is no longer in fluid communication with orifices 76 and 78 of end cap 64. Thus, first fluid 88 is no longer pressurized and is temporarily contained within passage 70 until rotor 46 rotates another 90 degrees to begin the cycle again.

[0047] FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C is a schematic diagram of a geothermal power generation system including a PX according to certain embodiments. FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C Some features in one or more of the graphs may have Figure 1A to Figure 1B The similar features, functions and / or structures in one or more of the figures herein may be used to represent the similar features, functions and / or structures in the embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 3A 300A is a schematic diagram of a geothermal energy generation system including a pressure exchanger (PX) according to certain embodiments. In some embodiments, the geothermal energy generation system includes a pressure exchanger (PX) 310. PX 310 can be a rotary pressure exchanger. In some embodiments, PX 310 is an isobaric or substantially isobaric pressure exchanger. PX 310 can be configured to exchange pressure between a first fluid and a second fluid.

[0049] In some embodiments, the geothermal energy generation system 300A includes a high pressure (HP) source (e.g., Figure 1ATo one or more high pressure input systems 132 in FIG. 1D ). The high pressure source may be a source of a first fluid. The first fluid may be a geothermal fluid (e.g., water, brine, etc.). In some embodiments, the high pressure source is a hot and warm aquifer 334. The hot and warm aquifer 334 may be below a layer of underground rock below the ground. The hot and warm aquifer 334 may be a ground source of warm fluid. In some embodiments, a production well 302 that is fluidly connected to the hot and warm aquifer 334 and drilled through underground rock provides hot and warm high pressure geothermal fluid (e.g., brine and / or water). In some embodiments, the geothermal fluid is provided at a pressure of about 150 bar to about 250 bar and a temperature of about 180 degrees Celsius (° C.) to about 200° C. The hot and warm high pressure geothermal fluid may flow from the production well 302 to the high pressure inlet of the PX 310. In some embodiments, the PX 310 exchanges pressure between a first fluid (e.g., a geothermal fluid) and a second fluid (e.g., a process fluid, CO2, hydrofluorocarbons such as R134a, R245fa, hydrocarbons such as isobutylene, pentane, propane, a power cycle fluid, etc.) In some embodiments, the second fluid is used to drive a turbine.

[0050] In some embodiments, PX 310 is configured to receive a first fluid under high pressure (e.g., Figure 1A to Figure 1B In some embodiments, the PX 310 receives a first fluid at a pressure between about 150 bar and 250 bar. The PX 310 may receive the first fluid via a high pressure inlet (e.g., HPin). In some embodiments, the PX 310 is configured to receive a second fluid at a low pressure (e.g., Figure 1A to Figure 1BIn some embodiments, the PX 310 receives a second fluid at a pressure between about 50 bar and 100 bar. The PX 310 may receive the second fluid via a low pressure inlet (e.g., LPiin). Although references to "high pressure" and "low pressure" are made, "high pressure" and "low pressure" may be relative to each other and may not include certain pressure values ​​(e.g., the pressure of the high pressure fluid input 130 is higher than the pressure of the low pressure fluid input 120). The PX 310 may exchange pressure between a first fluid and a second fluid. In some embodiments, the PX 310 compresses the second fluid using the high pressure first fluid. The PX 310 may provide the first fluid via a low pressure outlet (e.g., low pressure fluid output 140, LPout) and may provide the second fluid via a high pressure outlet (e.g., high pressure fluid output 150, HPout). In some embodiments, the first fluid provided via the low pressure outlet is at a low pressure, while the second fluid provided via the high pressure outlet is at a high pressure. In some embodiments, the first fluid is provided via a low pressure outlet between about 50 bar and 100 bar. In some embodiments, the second fluid is provided via a high pressure outlet between about 150 bar and 250 bar. In some embodiments, the PX 310 compresses the second fluid from a low pressure subcritical state to a high pressure supercritical state (e.g., compressed to a temperature and pressure above the critical point of the second fluid). In some embodiments, the PX 310 increases the pressure of the second fluid that is already in a supercritical state. In some embodiments, a supercritical fluid (e.g., a fluid in a supercritical state) is a fluid at a temperature and pressure above the critical point, where distinct liquid and gas phases are not present. In some embodiments, the PX 310 increases the pressure of the second fluid from a low pressure subcritical liquid state to a high pressure subcritical liquid state. In some embodiments, the PX 310 is used as a pump (e.g., rather than a compressor). In some embodiments, the PX 310 increases the pressure of the second fluid from a low pressure subcritical liquid state to a high pressure supercritical state. In some embodiments, the operating mode of the PX 310 (e.g., whether the second fluid is in a subcritical state or a supercritical state) is determined by thermodynamic cycle optimization to maximize cycle efficiency and minimize equipment cost.

[0051] In some embodiments, the geothermal energy generation system 300A includes a main heat exchanger (HX) 326. In some embodiments, the main HX 326 is used to transfer geothermal heat of a first fluid (e.g., water, brine, geothermal fluid, etc.) at high pressure to a second fluid (e.g., process fluid, CO2, etc.) at low temperature to increase the temperature of the second fluid before the second fluid enters the turbine 328. The main heat exchanger 326 can receive hot geothermal fluid and high-pressure process fluid (e.g., high-pressure gaseous CO2, high-pressure liquid CO2, or high-pressure supercritical CO2, etc.). In some embodiments, the main heat exchanger 326 receives a first fluid at a temperature between about 180°C and about 200°C. In some embodiments, the main heat exchanger 326 receives a second fluid at a temperature between about 50°C and about 100°C. In some embodiments, the main heat exchanger 326 is configured to exchange corresponding thermal energy between the first fluid and the second fluid. In some embodiments, the second fluid is heated by the first fluid in the main heat exchanger 326. In some embodiments, the first fluid is cooled in the main heat exchanger 326. The cooled first fluid may flow from the main heat exchanger 326 to the reinjection well 304 where it may be reinjected back into the thermothermal aquifer 334. In some embodiments, the second fluid is heated within the main heat exchanger 326 to a temperature between about 170°C and 190°C.

[0052] In some embodiments, the heated second fluid from the main heat exchanger 326 is provided to the turbine 328. The turbine 328 may be configured to flow a supercritical fluid such as supercritical CO2. The second fluid may expand on the blades of the turbine 328 and cause the turbine blades and shaft to rotate. In some embodiments, the generator 330 coupled to the turbine shaft is rotated and electricity may be generated. The input shaft of the generator 330 may be mechanically coupled to the output shaft of the turbine 328 so that the output shaft of the generator 330 rotates with the input shaft of the turbine 328. In some embodiments, the generator 330 generates electricity in response to the turbine converting the corresponding thermal energy (e.g., high pressure CO2, supercritical CO2, etc.) of the second fluid into kinetic energy (e.g., rotational kinetic energy). In some embodiments, the second fluid is output from the turbine 328 at a reduced temperature and a reduced pressure. In some embodiments, the second fluid is output from the turbine 328 at a temperature of about 80°C to 110°C and a pressure of about 60 bar to 90 bar. In some embodiments, the second fluid is output from the turbine 328 in a low pressure subcritical gas phase. In some embodiments, the second fluid is output from the turbine 328 in a supercritical state.

[0053] In some embodiments, the second fluid output from the turbine 328 is provided to a regenerator 332 (e.g., a heat exchanger, a secondary heat exchanger). In some embodiments, the regenerator 332 is used to extract any remaining heat energy after expansion through the turbine 328 and transfer the remaining heat energy to the fluid stream heated in the main HX 326. For a given power output of the turbine 328, this can reduce the amount of heat that needs to be added in the main HX, thereby improving the efficiency of the power cycle. In some embodiments, the regenerator 332 is a heat exchanger that exchanges heat energy between two fluid streams (e.g., a high temperature stream and a low temperature stream). The low pressure second fluid leaving the turbine 328 may have some remaining heat energy and may have a higher temperature than the high pressure second fluid flowing out of the PX 310. In order to extract the above-mentioned remaining heat energy, the second fluid output from the turbine 328 flows through the regenerator 332 to exchange corresponding heat energy with the high pressure second fluid received from the PX 310. The second fluid input to the main heat exchanger 326 can be heated in the regenerator 332 (e.g., by the second liquid output from the turbine 328). The second fluid received from PX 310 may be heated in regenerator 332 prior to input to main heat exchanger 326. In some embodiments, the second fluid received from turbine 328 is output from regenerator 332 at a temperature of about 30°C to about 50°C.

[0054] In some embodiments, the gas cooler 318 receives the second fluid output from the regenerator 332 to further cool the second fluid. The heat not recovered from the second fluid in the regenerator 332 can be discharged to the corresponding environment (e.g., the surrounding environment, etc.) via the gas cooler 318. In some embodiments, the gas cooler 318 is used as a heat sink for the power cycle. The gas cooler can increase the density of the second fluid entering the LPiin port of the PX 310 and entering the suction port of the compressor 322. Increasing the density of the second fluid entering the PX 310 (e.g., via the LPiin port) can improve the efficiency of the power cycle. In some embodiments, reducing the temperature of the discharged heat (e.g., via the gas cooler 318) can improve the Carnot efficiency of the power cycle. In some embodiments, the gas cooler 318 uses air or a coolant (e.g., cooling water, etc.) to cool the second fluid. One or more fans can blow air through the cooling channel of the gas cooler 318 to cool the second fluid. In some embodiments, the second fluid cooled in the gas cooler 318 remains in a supercritical state. In some embodiments, the second fluid cooled in the gas cooler 318 may be in a subcritical liquid state (e.g., see Figure 3D In some embodiments, the cooled second fluid is output from the gas cooler 318 at a pressure of about 50 bar to about 100 bar and a temperature of about 15° C. to about 35° C.

[0055] In some embodiments, the second fluid flowing out of the gas cooler 318 is divided into two streams by the diverter valve 320. In some embodiments, the diverter valve 320 is a three-way valve for diverting the second fluid along two flow paths. The diverter valve 320 can be actuated by a valve actuator. The actuator can actuate the diverter valve 320 based on instructions received from the controller 380. The instructions can be based on sensor data received by the controller 380 from one or more sensors of the geothermal energy generation system 300A. In some embodiments, the diverter valve 320 directs at least a portion of the second fluid output from the gas cooler 318 to the low-pressure inlet of the PX 310 to exchange pressure with the high-pressure first fluid in the PX 310. In some embodiments, the diverter valve 320 directs all of the second fluid output from the gas cooler 318 to the low-pressure inlet of the PX 310 to exchange pressure with the high-pressure first fluid in the PX 310 (e.g., bypassing the compressor 322 in response to the PX 310 providing sufficient pressure exchange). In some embodiments, the diverter valve 320 directs at least a portion of the second fluid output from the gas cooler 318 to the compressor 322. In some embodiments, the diverter valve 320 directs all of the second fluid output from the gas cooler 318 to the compressor 322 (e.g., to bypass the PX 310 during maintenance of the PX 310). In some embodiments, the compressor 322 increases the pressure of the second fluid portion to a pressure similar to (e.g., substantially similar to) the pressure of the high-pressure second fluid output from the PX 310. In some embodiments, the compressed second fluid output from the compressor 322 is mixed with the high-pressure second fluid output from the PX 310 in the combining valve 324. The combining valve 324 can be an actuatable three-way valve that is actuated based on instructions received from the controller 380. In some embodiments, the combining valve 324 is actuated based on the actuation of the diverter valve 320. In some embodiments, the system 300A includes a simple pipe joint (e.g., a "T" joint) instead of the combining valve 324 to combine the two flows.

[0056] In some embodiments, only a portion of the second fluid flows through the compressor 322. For example, approximately 70% of the second fluid output from the gas cooler 318 may flow through the PX 310 and approximately 30% of the second fluid may flow through the compressor 322. In another example, approximately 80% of the second fluid may flow through the PX 310 and approximately 20% of the second liquid may flow through the compressor 322. In another example, approximately 90% of the second fluid may flow through the PX 310 and approximately 10% of the second liquid may flow through the compressor 322. In another example, more than 95% of the second fluid may flow through the PX 310 and less than 5% of the second liquid may flow through the compressor 322. In some embodiments, the flow through the compressor 322 is determined based on flow rate data and / or pressure data. In some embodiments, the combined flow output from the compressor and the high pressure outlet of the PX 310 is subject to a threshold condition (e.g., a threshold flow rate). More or less fluid may flow through the compressor 322 depending on the mass flow rate from the high pressure outlet of the PX 310. For example, if the mass flow rate from the high pressure outlet of the PX 310 is low (e.g., relatively low), the diverter valve 320 may be actuated to pass more fluid through the compressor 322. In another example, if the mass flow rate from the high pressure outlet of the PX 310 is high (e.g., relatively high, sufficiently high, etc.), the diverter valve 320 may be actuated to pass less fluid through the compressor 322.

[0057] In some embodiments, the PX uses the pressure energy of the fluid (e.g., water or brine) from the geothermal well to compress the working fluid (e.g., CO2) of the power cycle without consuming external mechanical or electrical energy, thereby reducing the energy consumed by the compressor 322 of the power cycle. This can improve the efficiency of the power cycle.

[0058] Figure 3B is a schematic diagram of a geothermal energy generation system 300B including a pressure exchanger (PX) according to certain embodiments. In some embodiments, features with reference numbers similar to reference numbers in other figures include similar properties, structures, and / or functionality to features described in other figures. In some examples, features of geothermal energy generation system 300B have similar Figure 3A The geothermal energy generation system 300A has similar characteristics, structure and / or functions.

[0059] In some embodiments, the geothermal energy generation system 300B includes a motor 360 coupled to the rotor of the PX 310. The motor 360 can control the rotation of the rotor of the PX 310. In some embodiments, the motor 360 is used to adjust the mass flow rate that the PX can compress (or pump), and is also used to reduce the amount of mixing that may occur between a first fluid (e.g., water, brine, geothermal fluid, etc.) and a second fluid (e.g., process fluid, CO2, etc.). In some embodiments, the motor 360 controls the rotation rate (e.g., angular velocity, rotation speed, etc.) of the PX 310. In some embodiments, the pressure of the second fluid output from the PX 310 can be related to the rotation speed of the PX 310. In some embodiments, a controller (e.g., controller 380) receives sensor data from one or more sensors of the motor 360. In some embodiments, the motor 360 is an electric motor. In some embodiments, the controller 380 controls the motor 360. The motor 360 can be controlled based on sensor data such as pressure data and / or flow data related to the high pressure flow output from the high pressure outlet of the PX 310. In some embodiments, the controller 380 receives motor data from one or more motor sensors (e.g., speed sensors, runtime sensors, load sensors, etc.) associated with the motor 360. The motor data received from the motor sensors may include current motor speed (e.g., revolutions per minute), total motor runtime, motor runtime between maintenance operations, and / or total motor revolutions. The motor data may indicate a performance status of the motor 360.

[0060] Figure 3C is a schematic diagram of a geothermal energy generation system 300C including a pressure exchanger (PX) according to certain embodiments. In some embodiments, features with reference numbers similar to reference numbers in other figures include similar properties, structures, and / or functionality to features described in other figures. In some examples, features of the geothermal energy generation system 300C have similar Figure 3A Geothermal energy generation system 300A or Figure 3B The geothermal energy generation system 300B has similar characteristics, structure and / or functions.

[0061] In some embodiments, hot geothermal fluid is received from fractured hot rock 335 below the underground rock layer via production well 302. Fractured hot rock 335 may be fractured by "fracture". In some embodiments, the cooled low-pressure geothermal fluid output from the main heat exchanger 326 is reinjected into the fractured hot rock 335 via reinjection well 304. In some embodiments, the injection pump 336 increases the pressure of the geothermal fluid output from the main heat exchanger 326 to re-inject the geothermal fluid into the fractured hot rock 335.

[0062] Figure 3Dis a schematic diagram of a geothermal energy generation system 300D including a pressure exchanger (PX) according to certain embodiments. In some embodiments, features with reference numbers similar to reference numbers in other figures include similar properties, structures, and / or functionality to features described in other figures. In some examples, features of the geothermal energy generation system 300D have similar Figure 3A Geothermal energy generation system 300A or Figure 3B Geothermal Energy System 300B or Figure 3C The geothermal energy generation system 300C has similar characteristics, structure and / or functions.

[0063] In some embodiments (e.g., where the fluid in gas cooler 318 is in a subcritical liquid state), system 300D may include pump 323. In some embodiments, PX 310 functions as a compressor and / or a pump. For example, PX 310 may handle a supercritical fluid state at a first inlet (e.g., LPiin) and a subcritical liquid state at a first inlet. In some embodiments, pump 323 may be used instead of a compressor (e.g., FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C The compressor 322 of the main HX 326 can allow the power cycle to operate in a "transcritical" mode, where the second fluid (CO2) is pumped from a low pressure subcritical liquid state to a high pressure liquid state using the PX 310 and the pump 323. The heat added in the main HX 326 can convert the CO2 from a high pressure liquid state to a high pressure supercritical state. In some embodiments, the pressure and temperature of the working fluid leaving the main HX 326 are both above the critical point. In some embodiments, the energy consumed by the pump is less than the energy consumed by the compressor, which can reduce the energy required to increase the pressure of the working fluid (e.g., CO2) from a low pressure to a high pressure.

[0064] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a geothermal energy generation system 400 including a PX according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, features with reference numbers similar to reference numbers in other figures include similar properties, structures, and / or functionality to features described in other figures. In some examples, features of the geothermal energy generation system 400 have similar FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C The geothermal energy generation systems 300A to 300C have similar characteristics, structures and / or functions.

[0065] In some embodiments, the geothermal energy generation system 400 includes a circulation pump 430. In some embodiments, the circulation pump 430 increases the pressure of the geothermal fluid received from the hot temperature aquifer 334 to overcome the pressure loss in the system (e.g., the geothermal energy generation system 400). In some embodiments, the circulation pump 430 pumps the geothermal fluid to maintain a consistent (e.g., substantially consistent) flow rate of the geothermal fluid from the hot temperature aquifer 334. In some embodiments, the circulation pump 430 is controlled by a controller 380. For example, the controller 380 can send instructions to a motor (e.g., a motor controller) associated with the circulation pump 430 to increase or decrease the output of the circulation pump 430 to meet the flow or pressure requirements of the system.

[0066] In some embodiments, the geothermal energy system 400 includes a low pressure booster 414 to increase the pressure of a second fluid (e.g., a process fluid, supercritical CO2, etc.) and provide the second fluid to the PX 310. In some embodiments, the low pressure booster 414 increases the pressure of the low pressure second fluid to overcome pressure losses in the system (e.g., the geothermal energy system 400). In some embodiments, the low pressure booster 414 is a compressor. In some embodiments, the low pressure booster 414 is a pump (e.g., see Figure 5B ). In some embodiments, the low-pressure booster 414 flows the low-pressure second fluid to maintain a consistent (e.g., substantially consistent) flow rate of the second fluid to the PX 310. In some embodiments, the low-pressure booster 414 flows the low-pressure second fluid to provide an optimal mass flow rate of the second fluid entering the PX 310. For example, the low-pressure booster 414 flows the supercritical CO2 so that the rotor channels of the PX 310 are optimally filled (e.g., nearly completely filled) with CO2 during operation to maintain optimal operation of the PX 310. In some embodiments, the low-pressure booster 414 is controlled by the controller 380. For example, the controller 380 can send instructions to a motor (e.g., a motor controller) associated with the low-pressure booster 414 to increase or decrease the pressure or flow output of the low-pressure booster 412 to meet the flow or pressure requirements of the system.

[0067] Figure 5A is a schematic diagram of a geothermal energy generation system 500A including a PX according to certain embodiments. In some embodiments, features with reference numbers similar to reference numbers in other figures include similar properties, structures, and / or functionality to features described in other figures. In some examples, features of the geothermal energy generation system 500A have similar FIG. 3A to FIG. 4 The geothermal energy generation systems 300A to 400 have similar characteristics, structures and / or functions.

[0068] In some embodiments, the geothermal energy generation system 500A includes a high pressure booster 524. In some embodiments, the high pressure booster 524 is a compressor. In some embodiments, the high pressure booster 524 is a pump (e.g., see Figure 5B ). The high pressure booster 524 can receive a high pressure second fluid from the PX 310 and provide the second fluid to the combining valve 324. In some embodiments, the output of the high pressure booster is combined with the output of the compressor 322. In some embodiments, the high pressure booster 524 increases the pressure of the second fluid received from the HPout port of the PX 310 by a small amount. In some examples, the high pressure booster 524 can increase the pressure of the second fluid to less than about 50 pounds per square inch (PSI). The high pressure booster 524 can increase the pressure of the second fluid to overcome the flow resistance and / or pressure loss in the system. The high pressure booster 524 enables the second fluid to have a consistent (e.g., substantially consistent) flow rate (e.g., mass flow rate) of the high pressure CO2 flowing to the turbine 328. In some embodiments, the high pressure booster 524 is controlled by the controller 380. For example, the controller 380 can send instructions to a motor (e.g., a motor controller) associated with the high pressure booster 524 to increase or decrease the pressure output of the high pressure booster 524 to meet the flow or pressure requirements of the system.

[0069] Figure 5B is a schematic diagram of a geothermal energy generation system 500B including a PX according to certain embodiments. In some embodiments, features with reference numbers similar to reference numbers in other figures include similar properties, structures, and / or functionality to features described in other figures. In some examples, features of the geothermal energy generation system 500B have similar FIG. 3A to FIG. 5A Geothermal energy generation systems 300A to 500A have similar characteristics, structures and / or functions.

[0070] In some embodiments, high pressure booster 524 is a pump that receives a high pressure second fluid in a liquid state from PX 310 and provides the second fluid (e.g., increased pressure in the liquid state) to combining valve 324. In some embodiments, low pressure booster 414 is a pump that receives a low pressure second fluid in a liquid state and provides the second fluid (e.g., increased pressure in the liquid state) to a low pressure inlet of PX 310.

[0071] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a geothermal energy generation system 600 including a PX according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, features with reference numbers similar to reference numbers in other figures include similar properties, structures, and / or functionality to features described in other figures. In some examples, features of the geothermal energy generation system 600 have similar FIG. 3A to FIG. 5B The geothermal energy generation systems 300A to 500 have similar characteristics, structures and / or functions.

[0072] In some embodiments, the geothermal energy generation system 600 includes a low-pressure gas-liquid separator 614 (e.g., a low-pressure flash tank, a low-pressure receiver) and a high-pressure gas-liquid separator 616 (e.g., a high-pressure flash tank, a high-pressure receiver). The low-pressure gas-liquid separator 614 can be a receiver having a chamber for receiving a fluid and separating the fluid into a gas and a liquid. In some embodiments, the gas-liquid separators 614 and 616 can be "vortex" separators that separate fluids by centrifugal motion of the fluids. In some embodiments, in a vortex separator, during the centrifugal motion of the mixed fluid in the separator, the high-density fluid is pushed further radially outward than the low-density fluid and is captured in a separate compartment within the separator. In some embodiments, the low-pressure gas-liquid separator 614 can receive at least a low-pressure first fluid (e.g., a low-pressure geothermal fluid, etc.) output from the low-pressure outlet of the PX 310. In some embodiments, the low-pressure gas-liquid separator 614 can receive at least some of the second fluid (e.g., at least some CO2, etc.) mixed with the first fluid in the PX 310. In some embodiments, mixing of the first fluid and the second fluid can be reduced and / or eliminated by spinning the rotor of the PX 310 faster. The fluid in the chamber received by the low pressure gas-liquid separator 614 can be separated into liquid and gas. The liquid (e.g., geothermal fluid, etc.) can fall to the bottom of the chamber, while the gas (e.g., CO2, etc.) can rise to the top.

[0073] In some embodiments, the second fluid (e.g., process fluid, CO2, etc.) mixed with the first fluid can be in a supercritical state, but will still be separated in the gas-liquid separators 614 and 616 due to the density difference compared to the first fluid. In some embodiments, such as in the case of a transcritical cycle, the second fluid can be in a liquid state similar to the liquid state of the first fluid. For example, in some embodiments, the gas-liquid separators 614 and 616 can be used as liquid-liquid separators because the density of the second fluid (liquid state) can be different from the density of the first fluid (solid state) and can therefore be separated from the top of the separator. Separating the gas and liquid in the low-pressure gas-liquid separator 614 can prevent the loss of the second fluid from the system because any small amount of the second fluid separated in the separator 614 will be sent back to the second fluid loop. In some embodiments, the gas can flow from the top of the low-pressure gas-liquid separator 614 to the high-pressure second fluid (e.g., high-pressure CO2, etc.) stream output from the PX 310 and flow to the main heat exchanger 326. In some embodiments, liquid (eg, hot geothermal fluid, etc.) may flow from the bottom of the low-pressure gas-liquid separator 614 to the main heat exchanger 326 .

[0074] The high-pressure gas-liquid separator 616 may be a receiver having a chamber for receiving a fluid and separating the fluid into a gas and a liquid. In some embodiments, the high-pressure gas-liquid separator 616 may receive at least a high-pressure second fluid (e.g., high-pressure CO2, etc.) output from the high-pressure outlet of the PX 310. In some embodiments, the high-pressure gas-liquid separator 616 may receive at least some of the first fluid (e.g., at least some geothermal fluid, etc.) mixed with the second fluid in the PX 310. The fluid received in the chamber of the high-pressure gas-liquid separator 616 may be separated into a liquid and a gas. The liquid (e.g., geothermal fluid, etc.) may fall to the bottom of the chamber, while the gas (e.g., CO2, etc.) may rise to the top. Separating the gas and the liquid in the high-pressure gas-liquid separator 616 may prevent the liquid (e.g., the liquid first fluid) from reaching the inlet of the turbine 328. In some embodiments, the gas may flow from the top of the high-pressure gas-liquid separator 616 to the confluence valve 324 and to the main heat exchanger 326. In some embodiments, liquid (eg, hot geothermal fluid, etc.) may flow from the bottom of the high pressure gas-liquid separator 616 to the low pressure first fluid stream output from the PX 310 and to the main heat exchanger 326 .

[0075] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a geothermal energy generation system 700 including a PX according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, features with reference numbers similar to reference numbers in other figures include similar properties, structures, and / or functionality to features described in other figures. In some examples, features of the geothermal energy generation system 700 have similar Figures 3A to 6 The geothermal energy generation systems 300A to 600 have similar characteristics, structures and / or functions.

[0076] In some embodiments, the geothermal energy generation system 700 includes a residue compressor 724 to increase the pressure of the gas collected in the low-pressure gas-liquid separator 614. Because the gas collected in the low-pressure gas-liquid separator 614 is at a low pressure (e.g., between about 50 bar and about 100 bar), and the high-pressure second fluid output from the PX 310 is at a high pressure (e.g., between about 150 bar and about 250 bar), the residue compressor 724 can increase the pressure of the gas to overcome the pressure difference so that the gas from the low-pressure gas-liquid separator 612 can be combined with the output from the compressor 322 and the PX 310 (e.g., injected into the high-pressure stream of the second fluid). In some embodiments, the residue compressor 724 can flow the trace amount of gas collected in the low-pressure gas-liquid separator 614. In some embodiments, the residue compressor 724 is controlled by the controller 380. For example, the controller 380 can send instructions to a motor (e.g., a motor controller) associated with the residue compressor 724 to increase or decrease the output of the residue compressor 724 to meet the flow or pressure requirements of the system.

[0077] In some embodiments, the geothermal energy generation system 700 includes a high pressure valve 748 to reduce the pressure of the liquid collected in the high pressure gas-liquid separator 616. The high pressure valve 748 can reduce the pressure of the liquid output from the high pressure gas-liquid separator 616 to substantially match the pressure of the liquid output from the low pressure gas-liquid separator 614 (e.g., between about 50 bar and 100 bar). In some embodiments, the high pressure valve 748 is controlled by the controller 380. For example, the controller 380 can send instructions to an actuator associated with the high pressure valve 748 to actuate the high pressure valve 748 to open or close, thereby meeting the flow or pressure requirements of the system.

[0078] In some embodiments, the geothermal energy generation system 700 includes a high temperature regenerator 732A (e.g., a high temperature heat exchanger configured to exchange heat between two streams of a working fluid such as CO2) and a low temperature regenerator 737B (e.g., a low temperature heat exchanger configured to exchange heat between two streams of a working fluid such as CO2). The high temperature regenerator 732A can receive a low pressure second fluid (e.g., low pressure CO2, etc.) output from the turbine 328 and a high pressure second fluid (e.g., high pressure CO2, etc.) output from the low temperature regenerator 732B. The low temperature regenerator 732B can receive a low pressure second fluid output from the high temperature regenerator 731A and a high pressure second fluid output from the PX 310. In some embodiments, the high temperature regenerator 732A is disposed upstream of the low temperature regenerator 732B along the second fluid stream output from the turbine 328. The corresponding heat energy between the low-pressure second fluid and the high-pressure second fluid at a first temperature (e.g., high temperature) in the high-temperature regenerator 732A and a second temperature (e.g., low temperature) in the low-temperature regenerator 731B can be exchanged. In some embodiments, a portion of the second fluid output from the low-temperature regenerator 732B is compressed by the parallel compressor 734 and introduced into the second fluid flow from the low-temperature regenerator 732B to the high-temperature regenerator 732A. In some embodiments, the flow through the parallel compressor 734 can be adjusted to achieve the best power cycle design, thereby maximizing the efficiency of production. The second fluid portion compressed by the parallel compressor 734 can receive heat in the high-temperature regenerator 732A. The parallel compressor 734 can be controlled by the controller 380. In some embodiments, the amount of the second fluid compressed by the parallel compressor 734 can be changed (e.g., based on instructions from the controller 380) to achieve the maximum efficiency of the system (e.g., geothermal energy production system 700) by increasing or decreasing the power supplied to the drive motor connected to the parallel compressor 734.

[0079] Figure 8is a schematic diagram of a geothermal energy generation system 800 including a PX according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, features with reference numbers similar to reference numbers in other figures include similar properties, structures, and / or functionality to features described in other figures. In some examples, features of the geothermal energy generation system 800 have similar FIG. 3A to FIG. 7 Geothermal energy generation systems 300A to 700 have similar characteristics, structures and / or functions.

[0080] In some embodiments, the main heat exchanger 326 receives geothermal fluid from the production well 302 (e.g., rather than from the PX 310 as described above). Corresponding thermal energy can be transferred from the first fluid (e.g., from the geothermal fluid, etc.) to the second fluid (e.g., CO2, etc.) in the main heat exchanger 326 before the first fluid is supplied to the PX 310. In some embodiments, the high pressure first fluid is cooled in the main heat exchanger 326 before being provided to the high pressure inlet of the PX 310. In some examples, the hot and warm high pressure geothermal fluid from the hot and warm aquifer 334 is too hot to be processed by the PX 310. Therefore, the geothermal fluid can be cooled in the main heat exchanger 326 (via the high pressure second fluid) before entering the PX 310. In some embodiments, exchanging heat of a first fluid (e.g., hot water, brine, fluid from a geothermal well, geothermal fluid, etc.) in the main HX 326 before sending the first fluid to the PX 310 can improve power cycle efficiency and also improve performance of the PX 310.

[0081] Fig. 9 is a diagram illustrating a method for controlling a geothermal energy generation system (e.g., FIG. 3A to FIG. 8 Flowchart of method 900 of one or more of geothermal energy production systems 300A to 800). In some embodiments, method 900 is performed by processing logic, which includes hardware (e.g., circuits, dedicated logic, programmable logic, microcode, processing devices, etc.), software (such as instructions running on a processing device, a general-purpose computer system or a dedicated machine), firmware, microcode, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, method 900 is performed at least in part by a controller (e.g., Figure 1A to Figure 1B Controller 180, FIG. 3A to FIG. 8 In some embodiments, the non-transitory storage medium stores instructions, and when executed by a processing device (e.g., Figure 1A to Figure 1B Controller 180, FIG. 3A to FIG. 8 When executed by the controller 380), these instructions cause the processing device to perform method 900.

[0082] For simplicity of description, method 900 is depicted and described as a series of operations. However, operations according to the present disclosure may occur in various orders and / or simultaneously with other operations not presented and described herein. In addition, in some embodiments, not all illustrated operations are performed to implement method 900 according to the disclosed subject matter. In addition, those skilled in the art will appreciate and understand that method 900 may alternatively be represented as a series of interrelated states via a state diagram or events.

[0083] At block 902, processing logic may exchange pressure between a first fluid (e.g., water and / or brine) and a second fluid (e.g., CO2) received from a geothermal source (e.g., a thermothermal aquifer 334) via a pressure exchanger (e.g., PX 310). In some examples, processing logic (e.g., controller 380) may cause the pressure exchanger to operate to exchange pressure between the first fluid and the second fluid. In some embodiments, processing logic may cause one or more valves to be opened, and one or more pumps and / or compressors to provide the first fluid and the second fluid to the inlet of the pressure exchanger. One or more valves may be opened or closed, and one or more pumps and / or compressors may be controlled based on sensor data such as temperature sensor data, flow sensor data, and / or pressure sensor data. Processing logic may cause a compressor and / or a booster (e.g., low pressure booster 414, circulating pump 430) to flow the first fluid and the second fluid to the pressure exchanger based on sensor data (e.g., temperature sensor data, pressure sensor data, flow rate sensor data, etc.). The first fluid may be provided to the first inlet of the pressure exchanger at a first pressure, and the second fluid may be provided to the second inlet of the pressure exchanger at a second pressure. The first pressure can be higher than the second pressure. In some embodiments (e.g., in an embodiment where the pressure exchanger is a rotary pressure exchanger), processing logic can cause a motor (e.g., motor 360) to rotate the rotor of the pressure exchanger. The first fluid and the second fluid are provided to the inlet of the pressure exchanger via a compressor and / or a supercharger, and / or the pressure exchanger is rotated via a motor, so that the pressure between the first fluid and the second fluid can be exchanged. The first fluid can leave the pressure exchanger via the first outlet at a third pressure, and the second fluid can leave the pressure converter via the second outlet at a fourth pressure. The third pressure can be lower than the fourth pressure.

[0084] In block 904, processing logic can provide corresponding heat energy from the first fluid to the second fluid via a heat exchanger. The second fluid can be a working fluid or a power cycle fluid, such as CO2 (e.g., supercritical CO2, etc.). In some examples, processing logic (e.g., processing logic of controller 380) can enable one of systems 300A to 800 to operate to discharge the heat of geothermal fluid into the power cycle fluid via the main heat exchanger 326. Processing logic can actuate one or more valves, operate one or more pumps or compressors, and / or operate a pressure exchanger. In some embodiments, the first fluid can be made to flow through a heat exchanger (e.g., main heat exchanger 326). The first fluid can be at a first temperature when entering the heat exchanger, and can be at a second (e.g., lower) temperature when leaving the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger can promote heat transfer from the first fluid to the second fluid to increase the temperature of the second fluid and / or reduce the temperature of the first fluid.

[0085] In block 906, the processing logic can convert the corresponding heat energy and / or kinetic energy of the second fluid into rotational kinetic energy via a turbine (e.g., turbine 328). In some examples, the processing logic (e.g., controller 380) can cause a power cycle fluid (e.g., a second fluid, CO2, supercritical CO2, etc.) to flow through the turbine 328. The processing logic can actuate one or more valves, operate one or more pumps or compressors, and / or operate a pressure exchanger. The turbine (e.g., turbine 328) may be configured to receive a power cycle fluid output from a heat exchanger (e.g., main heat exchanger 326). The heat energy of the second fluid provided to the turbine can be converted into kinetic energy (e.g., rotational kinetic energy). The turbine can also rotate a generator (e.g., generator 330) to generate electricity. In some embodiments, the kinetic energy of the turbine can be used for any work or capacity. The fluid output of the turbine can be sent back to the heat exchanger via one or more additional heat exchangers, compressors, and / or pressure exchangers.

[0086] Fig.10 1 is a block diagram illustrating a computer system 1000 according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the computer system 1000 is a client device. In some embodiments, the computer system 1000 is a controller device (e.g., a server, Figure 1A to Figure 1B Controller 180, FIG. 3A to FIG. 8 controller 380, etc.).

[0087] In some embodiments, the computer system 1000 is connected to other computer systems (e.g., via a network such as a local area network (LAN), an intranet, an extranet, or the Internet). The computer system 1000 operates in the capacity of a server or client computer in a client-server environment, or as a peer computer in a peer-to-peer or distributed network environment. In some embodiments, the computer system 1000 is provided by a personal computer (PC), a tablet PC, a set-top box (STB), a personal digital assistant (PDA), a cellular phone, a network appliance, a server, a network router, a switch or a bridge, or any device capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential or otherwise) specifying the action to be taken by the device. In addition, the term "computer" shall include any collection of computers that execute a set (or multiple sets) of instructions, either individually or in combination, to perform any one or more of the methods described herein.

[0088] In some embodiments, the computer system 1000 includes a processing device 1002, a volatile memory 1004 (e.g., a random access memory (RAM)), a non-volatile memory 1006 (e.g., a read-only memory (ROM) or an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM)), and / or a data storage device 1016, which communicate with each other via a bus 1008.

[0089] In some embodiments, the processing device 1002 is provided by one or more processors, such as a general-purpose processor (e.g., a complex instruction set computing (CISC) microprocessor, a reduced instruction set computing (RISC) microprocessor, a very long instruction word (VLIW) microprocessor, a microprocessor that implements other types of instruction sets, or a microprocessor that implements a combination of various instruction sets) or a special-purpose processor (e.g., an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a digital signal processor (DSP), or a network processor). In some embodiments, the processing device 1002 is provided by one or more of a single processor, multiple processors, a single processor with multiple processing cores, and / or the like.

[0090] In some embodiments, the computer system 1000 further includes a network interface device 1022 (e.g., coupled to the network 1074). In some embodiments, the computer system 1000 includes one or more input / output (I / O) devices. In some embodiments, the computer system 1000 further includes a video display unit 1010 (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD)), an alphanumeric input device 1012 (e.g., a keyboard), a cursor control device 1014 (e.g., a mouse), and / or a signal generating device 1020.

[0091] In some embodiments, the data storage device 1018 (e.g., disk drive storage, fixed and / or removable storage, fixed disk drives, removable memory cards, optical storage, network attached storage (NAS), and / or storage area network (SAN)) includes a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium 1024 on which are stored instructions 1026 encoding any one or more of the methods or functions described herein, as well as instructions 526 for implementing the methods described herein.

[0092] In some embodiments, the instructions 526 also reside, in whole or in part, within the volatile memory 1002 and / or within the processing device 1000 during execution of the instructions 1026 by the computer system 1004, and thus, in some embodiments, the volatile memory 1004 and the processing device 1002 also constitute machine-readable storage media.

[0093] Although the computer-readable storage medium 1024 is shown as a single medium in the illustrative example, the term "computer-readable storage medium" shall include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database and / or associated caches and servers) that store one or more sets of executable instructions. The term "computer-readable storage medium" shall also include any tangible medium that can store or encode a set of instructions for execution by a computer, which instructions cause the computer to perform any one or more of the methods described herein. The term "computer-readable storage medium" shall include, but is not limited to, solid-state memories, optical media, and magnetic media.

[0094] The methods, components and features described herein may be implemented by decentralized hardware components, or may be integrated in the functionality of other hardware components such as ASICS, FPGAs, DSPs or similar devices. In addition, the methods, components and features may be implemented by firmware modules or functional circuits within a hardware device. In addition, the methods, components and features may be implemented in any combination of hardware devices and computer program components or in a computer program.

[0095] Unless otherwise specifically stated, terms such as "actuate", "adjust", "cause", "control", "determine", "identify", "provide", "receive", "flow", etc. refer to actions and processes performed or implemented by a computer system that manipulate data represented as physical (electronic) quantities within computer system registers and memories and convert them into physical quantities similarly represented within computer system memories or registers or other such information storage, transmission or display devices. In addition, the terms "first", "second", "third", "fourth", etc. used herein are intended to be labels for distinguishing between different elements and may not have ordinal meanings according to their numerical names.

[0096] The examples described herein also relate to an apparatus for performing the methods described herein. The apparatus may be specially configured to perform the methods described herein, or it may include a general-purpose computer system selectively programmed by a computer program stored in the computer system. Such a computer program may be stored in a computer-readable tangible storage medium.

[0097] The methods and illustrative examples described herein are not inherently related to any particular computer or other device. Various general purpose systems may be used in accordance with the teachings described herein, or it may prove convenient to construct more specialized equipment to perform the methods described herein and / or their respective functions, routines, subroutines, or operations. Architectural examples of various such systems are set forth in the description above.

[0098] The foregoing description presents many specific details, such as examples of specific systems, components, methods, etc., in order to provide a good understanding of several embodiments of the present disclosure. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that at least some embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented without these specific details. In other cases, well-known components or methods are not described in detail, or are presented in a simple block diagram format to avoid unnecessary confusion of the present disclosure. Therefore, the specific details set forth are merely exemplary. Specific embodiments may differ from these exemplary details and may still be expected to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0099] References throughout this specification to "an embodiment" or "an embodiment" mean that the specific features, structures or characteristics associated with the description of the embodiment are included in at least one embodiment. Therefore, phrases appearing in various places throughout this specification in "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment. In addition, the term "or" is intended to represent an inclusive "or" rather than an exclusive "or". When the terms "approximately", "substantially" or "roughly" are used herein, this means that the nominal values ​​presented are accurate to within ±10%. In addition, the terms "first", "second", "third", "fourth", etc. used herein are meant to be labels that distinguish between different elements and do not necessarily have ordinal meanings according to their numerical names.

[0100] As used herein, the terms "above," "below," "between," "disposed upon," and "on" refer to the relative position of one material layer or component with respect to other layers or components. For example, a layer disposed on, over, or below another layer may be in direct contact with the other layer, or may have one or more intervening layers. Additionally, a layer disposed between two layers may be in direct contact with the two layers, or may have one or more intervening layers. Similarly, unless expressly stated otherwise, a feature disposed between two features may be in direct contact with the adjacent feature, or may have one or more intervening layers.

[0101] Although the operations of the methods herein are shown and described in a particular order, the order of operations of each method can be changed so that certain operations can be performed in reverse order, or so that certain operations can be performed at least partially simultaneously with other operations. In another embodiment, instructions or sub-operations of different operations can be performed in an intermittent and / or alternating manner. In one embodiment, multiple metal bonding operations are performed as a single step.

[0102] It should be understood that the above description is intended to illustrate rather than to limit. After reading and understanding the above description, many other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure should be determined with reference to the attached claims and the full range of equivalents covered by each claim.

Claims

1. A system comprising: a pressure exchanger (PX) configured to receive a first fluid at a first pressure from a geothermal source via a first inlet of the pressure exchanger, receive a second fluid at a second pressure via a second inlet of the pressure exchanger, and exchange pressure between the first fluid and the second fluid, wherein the first fluid exits the pressure exchanger via a first outlet of the pressure exchanger at a third pressure, and wherein the second fluid exits the pressure exchanger via a second outlet of the pressure exchanger at a fourth pressure; a first heat exchanger configured to exchange corresponding thermal energy between a first fluid and a second fluid; and The turbine is configured to receive the second fluid output from the first heat exchanger and convert corresponding energy of the second fluid into rotational kinetic energy.

2. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that Also includes: A generator is mechanically coupled to the turbine, wherein the generator is configured to generate electricity in response to the turbine converting corresponding thermal energy of the second fluid into kinetic energy.

3. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that Also includes: A second heat exchanger is configured to receive the fluid output from the turbine and provide corresponding heat energy output from the fluid of the turbine to the second fluid input to the first heat exchanger to increase the temperature of the second fluid input to the first heat exchanger.

4. The system according to claim 3, characterized in that Also includes: A third heat exchanger is configured to receive the fluid output from the second heat exchanger, and the third heat exchanger is configured to provide corresponding heat energy output from the fluid of the second heat exchanger to a corresponding environment.

5. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that Also includes: a first flow valve configured to provide a second fluid at a second pressure to the pressure exchanger; a compressor or pump configured to receive a third fluid from the first flow valve and increase a pressure of the third fluid to a fourth pressure; as well as A second flow valve is configured to receive a second fluid at a fourth pressure from the pressure exchanger and a third fluid at a fourth pressure from the compressor, wherein the second flow valve is further configured to combine the second fluid with the fourth fluid.

6. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that Also includes: A motor is coupled to a rotor of the pressure exchanger, wherein the motor is configured to control a rotational speed of the rotor.

7. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that Also includes: A supercharger, the supercharger being configured as follows: receiving the second fluid and increasing the pressure of the second fluid to the second pressure; as well as providing a second fluid at the second pressure to the pressure exchanger via the second inlet; as well as A pump, the pump being configured to: receiving the first fluid from the geothermal source and increasing the pressure of the first fluid to the first pressure; as well as The pressure exchanger is provided with a first fluid at the first pressure via the first inlet.

8. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that Also includes: A supercharger, the supercharger being configured as follows: receiving the second fluid from the second outlet of the pressure exchanger and increasing the pressure of the second fluid; as well as A second fluid is arranged to combine with the output of the compressor and the input of the first heat exchanger.

9. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that Also includes: a first receiver configured to receive the first fluid from the first outlet of the pressure exchanger, wherein the first receiver forms a first chamber configured to separate the first fluid into a first gas and a first liquid; and A second receiver configured to receive the second fluid from the second outlet of the pressure exchanger, wherein the second receiver forms a second chamber configured to separate the second fluid into a second gas and a second liquid.

10. The system according to claim 9, characterized in that Also includes: A first compressor, wherein the first compressor is configured as follows: receiving the first gas from the first receiver and increasing the pressure of the first gas; as well as A first gas is arranged to combine with the output of the second compressor and the input of the first heat exchanger.

11. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that Also includes: a second heat exchanger configured to receive the second fluid output from the turbine and provide corresponding heat energy from the second fluid to a third fluid to increase a temperature of the third fluid; a third heat exchanger configured to receive the second fluid output from the second heat exchanger and provide corresponding heat energy from the second fluid to a fourth fluid to increase the temperature of the third fluid; as well as A compressor is configured to receive at least a portion of the second fluid output from the third heat exchanger, increase the pressure of at least a portion of the second fluid, and arrange at least a portion of the second fluid to combine with the fourth fluid to form the third fluid.

12. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that The first heat exchanger is configured as follows: receiving the first fluid at the third pressure output from the pressure exchanger; or The first fluid is received from the geothermal source and provided to the pressure exchanger at a first pressure.

13. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that The second fluid includes one or more of carbon dioxide (CO2), hydrofluorocarbons, or hydrocarbons.

14. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that The first pressure is higher than the second pressure, wherein the third pressure is lower than the fourth pressure.

15. A method comprising: exchanging pressure between a first fluid received from a geothermal source and a second fluid via a pressure exchanger (PX); providing corresponding thermal energy from the first fluid to the second fluid via a first heat exchanger; as well as The corresponding energy of the second fluid is converted into rotational kinetic energy via a turbine.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that The pressure exchanger receives the first fluid at a first pressure from the geothermal source via a first inlet of the pressure exchanger, and the pressure exchanger receives the second fluid at a second pressure via a second inlet of the pressure exchanger, wherein the pressure exchanger exchanges pressure between the first fluid and the second fluid, wherein the first fluid leaves the pressure exchanger at a third pressure via a first outlet of the pressure exchanger, and wherein the second fluid leaves the pressure exchanger at a fourth pressure via a second outlet of the pressure exchanger.

17. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that Also includes: separating the first fluid output from the pressure exchanger into a first gas and a first liquid via a first receiver forming a first chamber; as well as The second fluid output from the pressure exchanger is separated into a second gas and a second liquid via a second receiver forming a second chamber.

18. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions that, when executed by a processing device, cause the processing device to perform operations comprising: exchanging pressure between a first fluid received from a geothermal source and a second fluid via a pressure exchanger (PX); providing corresponding thermal energy from the first fluid to the second fluid via a first heat exchanger; as well as The corresponding energy of the second fluid is converted into rotational kinetic energy via a turbine.

19. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium according to claim 18, wherein: The pressure exchanger receives the first fluid at a first pressure from the geothermal source via a first inlet of the pressure exchanger, and the pressure exchanger receives the second fluid at a second pressure via a second inlet of the pressure exchanger, wherein the pressure exchanger exchanges pressure between the first fluid and the second fluid, wherein the first fluid leaves the pressure exchanger at a third pressure via a first outlet of the pressure exchanger, and wherein the second fluid leaves the pressure exchanger at a fourth pressure via a second outlet of the pressure exchanger.

20. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 18, wherein: The processing device will perform operations that also include the following operations: Corresponding thermal energy is provided from the fluid output from the turbine to a corresponding environment via a second heat exchanger configured to receive the fluid output from the turbine.

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